Father’s Day at the ballpark and racetrack

Reds 2, Blues 1

Well, another winnable game lost. That’s baseball. Ahhh, that’s Blue Jays baseball…..and part of being a fan.

The game hinged on a moment in the top of the 5th. The Jays led 1-0 and were threatening, with runners on the corners, no outs, and at the plate Mr. Johnny Mac, who had provided a wonderful moment as a Father’s Day homerun-hitter last year, but who this time popped up a bunt attempt to Joey Votto. The Toronto-native threw quickly to 3rd base, doubling up a lazy Juan Rivera. That effectively neutralized the threat.

Despite my Blue Jay-bias, and the absolute fact that I would have preferred he not make that play, I say thank you to Joey Votto, nonetheless. In a seven-minute interview, you managed to remove stigma and start a conversation in Major League Baseball about an often silent injury:

In light of the difficulties Votto faced in 2008 and 2009, in the wake of his Father’s passing, and the sincerity and generosity of spirit with which he handled the depression he suffered, it seemed appropriate that he would play the role of catalyst on this day.

Carlos Villanueva, once again, pitched like a bonafide starter, allowing two earned runs on seven hits over seven innings with three strikeouts and no walks. This Father’s day loss rounds out a series with the Reds that saw Blue Jays starters give up just one walk, the silver lining on this overcast Sunday, and a refreshing trend to be sure.

Over the years, in large part a result of the travel associated with his work, I have enjoyed time and baseball games with my Father at various stadiums, including County, Shea and Dodger, Victory Field, and Skydome. I’m a fortunate son. Thanks Dad.

In recent weeks, We talked about a baseball road trip to Cincinnati, from nearby Indianapolis, where I’m helping tame the wildness of his property. But since work commitments to the Indy Car World Series take him out of state this weekend, I instead turn the channel from Jays v. Reds on Fox Sports Ohio to the Milwaukee Mile on abc. Good luck to Dad, Alex Lloyd, James Jakes, and the Dale Coyne Racing Team this afternoon. No matter the results, I am always a fan.